JOHNSTON MAN SENTENCED ON FEDERAL GUN CHARGE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Johnston man who admitted to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced Thursday to 30 months in federal prison and three years supervised release, it was announced by U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Mary M. Lisi.

Ciro Parenteau, 32, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on February 17, 2010 to an indictment charging him with being in possession of a .380 caliber, semi-automatic handgun, having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

On September 14, 2009, Providence Police Officers observed Parenteau in the shadows of residential yards in the area of Hartford Avenue and Merino Street. As the officers approached Parenteau, he ran towards Merino Street holding his waistband. Officers observed him remove a shiny object and throw it into a yard. Officers arrested Parenteau and then recovered a Colt Mustang Pocketlite, .380 caliber pistol.

The matter was investigated by Providence Police and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard W. Rose.